Latest news with #DorsetWildlifeTrust
BBC News
6 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Rare sea Warty Doris slug photographed in Studland Bay
Spotting a rare sea slug in UK waters was "absolutely incredible" says an underwater Munn from Swanage, Dorset, captured the Warty Doris near Old Harry's Rocks in Studland Bay earlier this ocean lover who volunteers with Seasearch, a project led by the Marine Conservation Society, said she was "so excited" and had to "do a double take".The slug is usually found off France, Belgium and Spain, and in the waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic and west Atlantic. Seasearch and Dorset Wildlife Trust confirmed that Ms Munn's discovery was the species of nudibranch, which gets it name from the warts all over its body. "It's normally associated with warmer waters so it's possibly an indicator of climate change," Ms Munn said there were quite a few of the bright yellow and orange creatures, which can range in length from 30mm to 70mm."It actually breathes through it's bottom so it's quite a cute species," she environmentalist was also able to capture an image of the brightly coloured Warty Doris eggcase, which the slug's use to protect their eggs. Ms Munn fell in love with the ocean after she used swimming and snorkelling to aid her recovery following a series of car said she is out exploring and snorkelling along Dorset's coastline on a daily blogs her findings, in the hope that it will inspire others to make new discoveries in the local waters."I just want to raise awareness of the marine life that we can find around here and how colourful and beautiful it is," she said. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Authorities issue warning after spotting dolphins in unexpected location: 'Vulnerable and unpredictable'
A bottlenose dolphin's surprise appearance in a small English harbor is sparking joy among onlookers — and warnings from conservationists. According to the BBC, the dolphin was first seen gliding through the waters of Lyme Regis Harbour in Dorset. While it has become a local spectacle, experts say the excitement could put the animal at serious risk. As a result, officials have launched Operation Seabird, a campaign aimed at protecting marine mammals from disturbance. The Marine Management Organisation, Dorset Wildlife Trust, and Dorset Police are working together to remind the public that dolphins, whales, and porpoises are protected by law. "The arrival of a dolphin in a small coastal community like Lyme Regis can be a source of wonder and pride," said Jess Churchill-Bissett, head of marine conservation, per the BBC. "But it's vital to remember dolphins are vulnerable and unpredictable wild animals, protected by law." Under U.K. law, intentionally approaching or disturbing a dolphin could result in up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine. Even well-meaning actions — like trying to swim with, touch, or feed the animal — can be harmful. "We all have a responsibility to respect their space, keep a safe distance, and understand how our actions can unintentionally cause harm or even constitute a criminal offence," Churchill-Bissett added. While the dolphin may appear playful or curious, experts warn that crowding, noise, or reckless boating can cause extreme stress to the animal. Such encounters are becoming more common as warming waters and human development drive marine life closer to shore. "By giving these animals space, observing them from a distance and acting responsibly, we help ensure their health and survival, so they remain a part of our coast now and for generations to come," Churchill-Bissett told the BBC. This type of human-wildlife interaction also reflects a deeper issue: as ocean ecosystems face pressure from overfishing, habitat degradation, and increasing global temperatures, animals are often pushed out of their natural environments in search of food or safety, bringing them closer to human activity. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. To protect the dolphin and educate the public, officials have issued clear guidance: boaters should slow to under six knots, keep at least 100 meters (about 328 feet) away, and never try to interact with the animal. If the dolphin approaches on its own, people are urged to maintain a steady course and allow the animal to leave on its own terms. Globally, conservation groups are working to preserve marine habitats, regulate harmful fishing practices, and limit pollution that disrupts ocean ecosystems. These efforts are especially urgent as warmer waters and human development continue to shift the natural patterns of marine species. Respecting wildlife boundaries isn't just about protecting animals, it's about preserving the health of our oceans and coastlines for the communities that depend on them. Every safe, respectful encounter is a small step toward helping marine life thrive. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Canford Heath recovery after fire damage shown in photographs
Before and after images have been released to show how a heath is being restored back to life after a major fire.A blaze, which was believed to have been started deliberately in April 2022, saw 20 families forced to flee their homes at Canford Heath in Poole, the last 18 months Dorset Peat Partnership, led by Dorset Wildlife Trust, has worked to restore 172 hectares (425 acres) of damaged peatlands."I am delighted to see the completion of such important work at Canford Heath," said Councillor Andy Hadley. The portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy, at BCP Council said: "Peatlands across Dorset have, unfortunately, been in a state of decline over recent years. This project secures essential revitalisation to the habitats."Restoring peatlands will deliver long-term ecological benefits for the surrounding areas and help protect the many species that live in our wetlands and help protect the urban area from flooding events." The work forms part of a £1m project by Dorset Peat Partnership - of which Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is a partner - to restore 16 peatlands across the Heath's restoration has taken about six weeks with fire-damaged pines removed and repurposed to create a functioning bog from the pines has been used to block drainage channels, dense areas of Molinia grass tussocks have been reduced to increase groundwater saturation, and contour bunds have been created with peat to hold water of this work improves the habitat for nature and reduces the risk of flooding, carbon emissions and urban wildfires, Dorset Peat Partnership said. It is hoped the rewetting of Canford Heath will help rare species like dragonflies to thrive in the Hervé, project manager at Dorset Peat Partnership, said: "After many months of planning, it's great to see the works completed and to already see water being stored on the heath using nature-based solutions. "We hope that local users will be impressed with the new habitats that will form in the future."Dorset's heathland has faced a series of fires in recent April firefighters were called to two blazes at Upton Heath and Canford Heath in fire service also believed those incidents were caused by "human intervention". You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Warnings after dolphin sighting in Lyme Regis Harbous
The appearance of a solitary bottlenose dolphin in a Dorset harbour has led conservation experts to release animal has appeared in Lyme Regis Harbour and sparked the initiative Operation Seabird, after reports of people getting too Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Dorset Police and Dorset Wildlife Trust have joined forces to remind people dolphins, whales and porpoises are protected by guidance said while dolphin sightings had led to excitement among residents and visitors, they were urged to keep their distance. Jess Churchill-Bissett, head of marine conservation, said: "The arrival of a dolphin in a small coastal community like Lyme Regis can be a source of wonder and pride. "But it's vital to remember dolphins are vulnerable and unpredictable wild animals protected by law. "We all have a responsibility to respect their space, keep a safe distance, and understand how our actions can unintentionally cause harm or even constitute a criminal offence."Intentionally approaching, or recklessly disturbing a dolphin can result in up to six months in prison as well as an unlimited fine. 'Let the animals leave' Ms Churchill-Bissett added: "By giving these animals space, observing them from a distance and acting responsibly, we help ensure their health and survival, so they remain a part of our coast now and for generations to come."Guidance for someone who encounters a dolphin while on the water includes slowing down to a speed below six knots, staying at least 100m (328ft) away, not chasing or encircling the animal and never trying to swim with, touch or feed guidance adds: "Sometimes dolphins may choose to approach you, in this situation you should maintain a steady speed and direction and let the animals leave when they choose."Anyone who witnesses a dolphin being disturbed is asked to contact the MMO, which is hosting a talk on marine wildlife disturbance on Thursday between 17:00 and 19:00 BST in the Fishing College, The Cobb. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
11-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Konik ponies introduced to Luscombe nature reserve
Three konik ponies have been introduced to a wildlife reserve to help enhance habitats for other animals have been released at Lyscombe Nature Reserve, near Piddletrenthide, by Dorset Wildlife closely resemble the now-extinct wild horse, the tarpan, which the trust said made them ideal for conservation grazing and will join the longhorn cattle already on the site, but their distinct grazing habits will affect the habitat in different ways. In an update on Facebook, the trust said the ponies were "settling in well", adding: "For now, they're being kept in a smaller area while they bond with each other and adjust to their new surroundings. "They'll then be allowed to explore the newly fenced areas around Lyscombe Bottom, and eventually will be able to roam across the entire reserve."It's not just how they eat that makes them great for conservation, their natural behaviours — including trampling, dust bathing and dunging — help create complexity in the landscape and open up more opportunities for wildlife to thrive."Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England bought 335 hectares at Lyscombe in March 2024, including a 50-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI), and several Scheduled trust is using natural regeneration techniques and a rewilding approach along with traditional conservation management to enhance and restore the habitats. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
